Jabiru UL-450, G-BZMC, 21 July 2010

Jabiru UL-450, G-BZMC

Summary:

The pilot was converting from a flex-wing aircraft to the Jabiru, a three-axis-control type aeroplane. An instructor, the pilot in command, was accompanying the pilot and circuits were being flown using grass Runway 32 at Headon Farm Airstrip. The runway is 545 m in length, with the width varying between 20 m and 30 m. The weather conditions were fine and dry, with light winds from 010°. The pilot reported that the approach was normal but that he had flared too high and then bounced on landing. Following the bounce, he attempted to recover and land again but the aircraft pitched nose down, causing the nose landing gear to collapse and the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft came to a stop after rolling along the ground for approximately 20 m. The instructor reported that he had tried to apply power in an attempt to prevent the aircraft from stalling during the flare but that he was unable to intervene quickly enough to avert the accident.

Download report:

Jabiru UL-450, G-BZMC 10-10.pdf (241.07 kb)

Published 10 December 2014